MLB Championship Series

I couldn’t make predictions for the Wild Card games and the Divisional series due to a lot of work, but I’m not letting the American League and National League finals start without having my take on it.

The greatest thing about this year’s baseball finals is that every team involved doesn’t win a World Series in a long time. The Dodgers won last time in 88, the Blue Jays in 93, the Indians in 48 and, of course, the Cubs in 1908! Therefore, emotions will run high on both series.

Let’s get down to the brass tacks.

ALCS: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Cleveland Indians

I was positive the Blue Jays would get trounced by the Rangers, but not only they won, they swept the series. With Russel Martin, Jose Bautista, Josh Donaldson, Troy Tulowitzki and Edwin Encarnacion the Jays have a good attack and a solid defense, which also has Kevin Pillar. And the pitching is good, specially Marcus Stroman. On the other side, to my total chagrin, the Indians also swept my beloved Red Sox (when your only good pitcher plays as bad as Porcello did, you can’t expect to win in the Postseason) and are very confident. Andrew Miller is playing well despite his age and Kipnis, Lindor and Napoli are hitting well. However, let’s remember: they played against a team with SERIOUS pitching issues in ALDS. I really wanted to see a World Series between the Indians and the Cubs (it would be historic) but I think the Blue Jays will pass. Toronto 4-2.

NLCS: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs.

Buckle up everybody, this one promises to be EPIC. Two of the most traditional franchises in baseball and the Cubs with their best team in years. Chicago never had a greater chance of stopping their 108 years draught. If Chicago indeed breaks their curse that would skyrocket Theo Epstein -Young Theo, as he was known in Boston – profile to unimaginable heights. I mean he would be the man behind ending both Red Sox and Cubs draughts. It’s not something to overlook. However, they will face a rather driven and tight team (as their great victory against the Nationals showed last night). How about a potential pitching battle between Kershaw and Arrieta? And also the hitting battle: Turner, Utley, Pederson and Reddick are playing great and Adrian Gonzales can show up now and again for the Dodgers. Bryant, Rizzo, Zobrist and Heyward are also playing great and Russel and Almora Jr. can show up for the Cubs. It’s one of the most anticipated series ever and I’m really looking forward to it, but I think the better pitching staff (aside Arrieta, Hendricks, Strop, Wood and a closer like Chapman) will prevail in the end. Chicago 4-3.